Top Cleaning Supplies Every School Needs for Back to School – 2025

Creating a healthy school environment starts with the right cleaning supplies. As we head into the 2025 school year, ensuring that every classroom, hallway, restroom, and common space is stocked with effective, safe, and eco-conscious products is more important than ever. This guide breaks down the essential school cleaning supplies, tailored to high-traffic zones, student safety, and staff efficiency.

Quick Back-to-School Cleaning Supply Checklist

Use this checklist as a downloadable reference or post it in your janitorial closet to ensure your team stays prepared throughout the year.

✅ EPA-registered disinfectants (sprays and wipes)
✅ HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaners
✅ Microfiber mops and cloths (color-coded sets)
✅ Eco-friendly all-purpose and glass cleaners
✅ Floor scrubbers and carpet extractors
✅ Concentrated multi-surface cleaners
✅ Non-slip entrance mats and wet floor signage
✅ PPE (gloves, masks, goggles) for custodial staff
✅ Lockable storage cabinets and mobile cleaning carts
✅ Air fresheners and restroom sanitation supplies
✅ Trash liners, toilet paper, and paper towels
✅ Label makers and inventory checklists for supply management

Want this in a printable format? Download the 2025 School Cleaning Checklist (PDF)

High-Touch Surface Disinfectants

Why it matters: Doorknobs, light switches, cafeteria tables—these are just a few of the many high-touch surfaces that spread illness rapidly in school environments. Disinfecting these surfaces daily is one of the most effective ways to reduce student absenteeism.

Top Tips for Effective Disinfection

• Clean before disinfecting: Use soap and water to remove debris.

• Apply sufficient product: Surfaces should remain visibly wet for the full contact time.

• Target high-traffic areas: Cafeterias, shared gym equipment, restrooms, and classrooms.

Shop Disinfectants & Wipes

Recommended Option:

• ✅ Zogics Hypochlorous Acid Ready-to-Use Surface Disinfectant: A powerful yet non-toxic disinfectant safe for daily use in schools, this ready-to-use formula kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses with no harsh fumes or residue.

Pro Tip: Never mix disinfectants, and always store them out of student reach.

School Janitorial Supplies

Why it matters: Daily cleaning creates the foundation for healthy learning spaces. From classrooms to cafeterias, proper janitorial tools help staff clean thoroughly and quickly.

Must-Have Janitorial Products

• Multi-surface cleaners, preferably concentrated formulas

• Microfiber cloths and mop heads capture more debris than cotton

• Trash Cans and Outdoor Waste Receptacles

• HEPA-filtered vacuums & floor scrubbers

• Wet floor signage and slip-resistant mats

• Color-coded cleaning systems to prevent cross-contamination

Explore Janitorial Supplies 

Shop Microfiber Cleaning Tools

Recommended Options:

• ✅ Zogics General Purpose Cleaner: A non-toxic, multipurpose formula that effectively cuts through dirt and grime on desks, countertops, and more.

• ✅ Zogics HEPA Vacuum Backpack: Ergonomic and powerful, this backpack vacuum captures 99.97% of airborne particles for superior air quality.

• ✅ Buff Pro Antimicrobial Microfiber Towels: These towels resist odor-causing bacteria and are designed for high-performance school cleaning tasks.

Pro Tip: Clean before disinfecting: Dirt blocks disinfectants from working effectively.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products for Schools

Why it matters: Traditional cleaners can contribute to asthma, allergies, and indoor air pollution. Choosing safer, certified products promotes a healthier space for students and staff.

What to Look For

• Certifications: EPA Safer Choice, Green Seal, Cradle to Cradle, EcoCert

• Ingredients: Biodegradable, low-VOC, non-toxic, fragrance-free

• Packaging: Concentrated products that reduce plastic and waste

Shop Eco-Friendly Cleaners

Recommended Options:

• ✅ Zogics Biodegradable Disinfectant Wipes: Plant-based and biodegradable, these wipes are perfect for classrooms and safe for daily use.

• ✅ Zogics Peroxide Powered Cleaner & Degreaser: This eco-friendly cleaner uses hydrogen peroxide to break down grease, soap scum, and soils without harsh chemicals.

Schools that switched to green cleaning reported fewer sick days and lower chemical costs.

Floor and Carpet Care Tools

Why it matters: Floors are ground zero for tracked-in dirt, allergens, and spills. Keeping them clean supports indoor air quality and reduces slip-and-fall risks. For a more detailed understanding, explore our in-depth article on How to Maintain Commercial Floors.

Recommended Tools

• ✅ Zogics Enzyme Enriched Floor Cleaner & Deodorizer: Breaks down organic soils with enzymatic action, leaving floors clean and fresh without harsh residues.

• ✅ Boardwalk Microfiber Mopping Kit: Lightweight and color-coded, ideal for schools to avoid cross-contamination in high-traffic zones.

Schedule vacuuming daily in high-traffic zones and deep-clean carpets at least once per semester. 

Storage & Organization Solutions

Why it matters: Properly stored supplies last longer, are safer, and are easier to access. Prevent cross-contamination and accidents with organized janitorial closets and mobile cleaning stations.

Top Storage Tips

• Lock all chemicals away from student access

• Use labeled bins, shelves, and caddies for easy organization

• Set up floor-specific cleaning stations to reduce travel time for staff

• Maintain a digital or printed inventory tracking sheet for reordering

Organized storage, like janitorial carts, prevents chemical mix-ups and improves response time during cleanups.

Smart School Cleaning Strategies for Long-Term Success

The start of the school year is the perfect time to reset your facility’s cleaning strategy. Investing in the right products—from disinfectants and janitorial tools to eco-friendly formulas and storage—pays off in healthier students, more efficient staff, and long-term savings.

Keep your school safe, clean, and ready for a successful 2025.